A Reason for Resin

We've all heard the saying, "Accessories make the (wo)man." Or, something like that. Whether you're having a good hair day or bad, feeling thin or not so thin, an "I was on the waiting list for months" bag, killer shoes or an armfull of sexy, clanging bangles can make "the look." And more importantly, make you feel great. Dressing and bejeweling for summer is simple. It's all bare and fun, gauzy and flirty. As fall approaches, I'm thinking about putting away my favorite summer outfit and looking towards the classics being reborn this fall season. Unstructured is structured, boho is buttoned up and glamour is back - gold, bold and just over the top enough to give it an edge. Brush the sand off your feet, girls, it's almost time to tuck away the bikinis, pareos and other vestiges of another summer gone by.

Fall is always something of a backlash to summer. While we let loose between May and September, we bring structure back to our lives come fall. With school in session, we say á bientot to summer Fridays as many of us close up our summerhouses on the East End. Our wardrobes and accessories mirror the transition in our lifestyles. No one wants to drape themselves in swathes of charcoal cashmere paired with flighty summer jewelry. It's time for rich, solid pieces, not without a big statement and a bit of fun, whether a rocky outcrop of semi-precious gems piled high on your finger or an envy-inducing gold cuff. And there are fabulous pieces at every price, so don't think us working girls can't get the same effect without spending a whole paycheck.

Glamour isn't about glitz this fall. Everything is audacious and superlative, but nothing precious or sweet. Bracelets are big, from bangles, to chain links and cuffs. Over-the-top rings are going to upgrade any outfit and necklaces are anything from vintage, colored resin masses to interesting pendants worn long. Earrings follow the trends in unconventional materials, or graphic colors such as black, red, lapis and green, but seem to be less of a focal point. Take Francesca Romano Diana's bracelets and rings (www.francescaromanadiana.com) in mod-inspired geometric shapes and patterns, found at Bergdorf Goodman and Scoop, or Blue and Cream in Southampton. Elsa Peretti's Sevillana earring is a great lacquer O, in black or red. If you find your budget wanting, your best bets for all the chicest, most current trends in jewelry are J. Crew and Banana Republic.

Chunky gold links are everywhere, like Diane Von Furstenburg's bracelet for H. Stern, which can be seen in myriad magazines. Or get the look for less with CCSkye's more affordable version. A must-have, or must-lust-after, is any one of the semi-precious and metal bracelets from Marc Jacobs - the "Blocky" bracelet, especially in lapis or rock crystal, or the "Punk Stud" which is a misleading name for the chic pyramids of luscious malachite or coral. Another hot arm piece this fall is the cuff - included on every trends list - exemplified in Stephen Dweck's bedazzled versions.

Unconventional materials are popular, too - wood, resin, feathers, rubber, leather and other skins, and the mixing of media, like rubber and diamonds, or brass and leather. Look at Prada, Sportmax or Louis Vuitton to see their feathered necklaces and bracelets, or Ted Rossi NYC for metallic python bangles. Marc by Marc Jacobs has a more affordable, chunky resin version with his necklaces and bracelets. While bold colors take center stage this season, they don't outshine the many shades, textures and incarnations of gray. Whether metallic, graphite or crystal, gray is not just a boring neutral.

Cocktail rings are flamboyant and sexy. They, like the other big impact pieces of the season, say "Oh, this?" with an unstudied Old School cool, while managing to catch everyone's eye. They are everywhere, from Urban Outfitters to Alexis Bittar and Christian Dior. With these rings, the bigger the better - and they are especially beautiful in a dark, rich tone such as purple.

While we're all hoping for a few extra weeks of Indian Summer after Labor Day, I find myself thinking about snuggling into a yummy new scarf and ready to trade in my iced cappuccino for a hot latté. When I caught myself peering over at Essie's new fall colors while plucking up my usual summer shade, I felt a little like I was betraying everyone's favorite season but, I'll admit, I'm ready for it - and that new color is going to look fantastic with my noisy stack of Dinosaur Designs resin bangles

- Sarah Tynan

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